A look at Queens Park Rangers F.C. through the eyes of the fans - follow us on twitter @loftyheights70, @LoftyQPR and @qprleeroy

Monday, May 07, 2007

And So the Season Ends...

QPR 1-1 StokeFirstly, apologies for the report being later than the norm, but seeing as it was the last game of the season, the gang thought we would have a few celebratory beverages to see the season off in style... and by the time I eventually got back to LH towers last night, I was in no fit state to start a write up, although it may have been amusing...

Like last Saturday at Wolves, it was nice to go to a game in a nice relaxed mood and be able to sit back and enjoy the day. However, it was a bit different for Stoke who needed at least a win to get into the play offs and even then, they had to rely on other results.

But Rangers were out to enjoy the day and were ahead on 6 minutes when Martin Rowlands free kick caught everyone out, including the Stoke keeper and found the bottom corner of the net.

Stoke looked little like play off contenders and didn't really get back into things until Lee Martin's blatant dive, saw Sam Timoska receive his second yellow card. As the clock ticked by, departing heroes Paul Furlong and Marc Bircham were brought on, but sadly, Stoke's pressure payed off on 84 minutes when Sidebe tapped home to level the scores.

As Stoke pushed for the winner, Rangers broke away and Furlong had a great chance to sign off his fantastic Rangers career by scoring the winning goal. But there was no sentiment at all from keeper Simonsen who charged his shot down when through on goal. Time ran out for Stoke and referee Kettle, who seemed intent on booking every single R's player, blew the final whistle on the season seconds later, and a result which meant we will also be seeing Stoke again next season along with their supporters, well, the normal 400 or so anyway...

So, we reach the end of another eventful season which has just about everything. But you just couldn't help leaving the ground with a tinge of sadness after not only not having any Rangers for a few months, but after saying an emotional goodbye to the players that are leaving, namely today, Paul Furlong and Marc Bircham. Thanks for the memories!!

It has also been a memorable season for Lofty Heights too as it ends its 3rd season. The new format was well received and the site has gone from strength to strength. It has also led to me writing for QPR Rivals/Loft for Words which I have thoroughly enjoyed and am happy to say that I will be continuing next season! Friends, both old and new have been continually reading and commenting to which makes doing this all worthwhile - I Thank You all for your continued support.

There is the gang, Corp/Al Murray, PK, DJ, Mick, California Hoop. Also, new friends Vickie, Joe and Paul from Leeds, Jilly, Cooch, Michael and Lee to name just a few. All of which make going to football the highlight of the week and make following Rangers such good fun. Not forgetting Mark and daughter Holly, who continues to be our good luck charm.

I had my boys on my lap this morning showing them video of the Lap of Honour and telling them about Furs, Birch and about the sadly missing Kevin Gallen.

It is too bad Kevin could not have been there yesterday but I hope that we will seem him at LR again sometime soon. He was the skipper when we started this campaign and a real legend.

It should go without saying that you were my Man of the Match every game this year Lofty. This blog is always the first place I turn to after a match. So thanks for all of the effort, it is appreciated.

Have a great summer and hopefully the Rs will start next August with the same gusto that they finished this season.

Hi Lofty, thank you so much for all your hard work with Lofty Heights - the website I come to after each game. It is marvellous to read a frank and down to earth commentary on each game with a tinge of humour added from time to time. Please keep up the good work. I'm sure the next R's game will be have a better outcome than the last when I saw the reserves collapse abysmally to Brighton 2-8 at Worthing FC!!

Thanks for a great season Lofty, just like Bobo, I too go to your site for the straight scoop. I have to admit the highs and lows of the season got a bit much for an old man this year, but as you have brought in reinforcements, (Holly) next year will be a cake walk.I will await the off season reports on "Big money" Jones and also Kanyaka, Jones seemed to go into a "let the Premiership come to me now" attitude, after his agreement, so hopefully he will grow up, Kanyaka, does seem injury prone, but I have heard good things about him. Looking forward to a great team next year, good luck in the summer, and thanks again Lofty.

Hi LoftyMate see the other comments say it all.."this is the first site I come to after a game"&"One of the best QPR sites out there, well done Lofty"&"It should go without saying that you were my Man of the Match every game this year Lofty"

Lofty what can i say all the others have echoed what i say It has been very up and down season but sharing it with you,PK,DJ and now the crew from Leeds its like go round with star every one now knows you but none of them ok us in the gran know how hard this site is and how much work goes in to it, PLEASE keep up the Good No Great work as you now have people who look forward to reading what we get up too each week.

Also I would like to Wish all Rangres fans great summer and see you all next game..

It's been a difficult year on the pitch and off it, what with someone trting to sabotage the site and various technical problems. But your words of encouragement and continued support helped me to battle on...

Support like this makes it all worthwhile and without it, there wouldn't be an LH!!

Hi ya dudes, I look forward to flying over for our pre season in Ireland. You have done a great job on this site, keep up the good work. I love coming over to watch the hoops but you guys make it extra special.peace.California hoop